Textbook Question
Complaining of muscle weakness, Delia goes to the doctor. Devise a series of physical examination tests that would help to determine if her problem involves upper or lower motor neurons.
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Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology24
- Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Life37
- Ch. 3 The Cell54
- Ch. 4 Histology46
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System30
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Tissue36
- Ch. 7 The Skeletal System40
- Ch. 8 Articulations19
- Ch. 9 The Muscular System35
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue and Physiology29
- Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue28
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System41
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System41
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis31
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses39
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System42
- Ch. 17 The Cardiovascular System I: The Heart28
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System II: The Blood Vessels43
- Ch. 19 Blood32
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Immunity41
- Ch. 21 The Respiratory System27
- Ch. 22 The Digestive System27
- Ch. 23 Metabolism and Nutrition7
- Ch. 24 The Urinary System39
- Ch. 25 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Homeostasis39
- Ch. 26 The Reproductive System10
- Ch. 27 Development and Heredity5
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 13, Problem L3.2
Ramin presents for evaluation after a severe shoulder injury during which his entire brachial plexus suffered damage. What effects would you expect Ramin to have from this injury?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the anatomy of the brachial plexus: The brachial plexus is a network of nerves originating from the spinal cord (C5-T1) that provides motor and sensory innervation to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Damage to this structure can result in widespread effects on these regions.
Identify the motor effects: Damage to the brachial plexus can lead to paralysis or weakness in the muscles of the shoulder, arm, and hand. This includes muscles responsible for movements such as shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, wrist extension, and finger movements.
Identify the sensory effects: The brachial plexus also carries sensory information from the skin of the shoulder, arm, and hand. Damage can result in numbness, tingling, or complete loss of sensation in these areas.
Consider autonomic effects: The brachial plexus contains some autonomic fibers that regulate blood flow and sweat production in the upper limb. Damage may lead to changes in skin temperature, color, or sweating in the affected limb.
Evaluate the severity and prognosis: The extent of the injury (partial or complete damage) will determine the severity of the effects. Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and possibly surgical intervention may be necessary to restore function or manage symptoms.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Brachial Plexus Anatomy
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates from the spinal cord in the neck and extends into the arm. It is responsible for motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb. Damage to this plexus can lead to significant loss of function and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
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Neurological Effects of Nerve Injury
Nerve injuries can result in various neurological effects, including weakness, paralysis, and sensory deficits. In Ramin's case, damage to the brachial plexus may lead to muscle weakness in the shoulder and arm, loss of grip strength, and altered sensation, such as numbness or tingling in the affected areas.
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Rehabilitation and Recovery
Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery after a brachial plexus injury. It often involves physical therapy to improve strength, range of motion, and functional abilities. The extent of recovery can vary widely based on the severity of the injury, the promptness of treatment, and the individual's overall health.
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Maria is a 3-year-old who has been diagnosed with CIPA, or congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. This disease results from a genetic mutation that causes essentially all general sensory neurons to not function properly. What types of sensations will Maria be unable to detect (be specific)? Predict what problems she might face from her condition.
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Textbook Question
Define each of the following terms in your own words, using 20 or fewer words.
a. Peripheral nerve
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Textbook Question
Define each of the following terms in your own words, using 20 or fewer words.
b. Nerve plexus
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Textbook Question
When Mr. Dinh goes to the emergency department with pain in the area along the midline of the diaphragm, he worries he is having a heart attack. Could the pain be related to his heart? Could it be related to any other organ(s)? Explain.
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Textbook Question
Define each of the following terms in your own words, using 20 or fewer words.
c. Posterior root ganglion
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